Would not lead to de-escalation by Moscow: Maas Renewed calls for moratorium on pipeline construction Moscow eyes first gas via Nord Stream by end-summer German foreign minister Heiko Maas has rejected calls for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project to be halted amid increased tensions between Russia and Ukraine, warning that such action could lead to a further escalation. Receive daily email alerts, subscriber notes & personalize your experience. Register Now Speaking on German television late April 14, Maas said: “I am skeptical that halting the Nord Stream 2 project would lead to a de-escalation by Moscow — in fact it could have the opposite effect.” Germany has continued to back the controversial 55 Bcm/year Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is now 95% complete, despite opposition from the US and countries in eastern Europe. “The position of the German government has always been clear,” Maas said. His […]